NBA First Basket Odds & Bets Tonight: Thursday, Oct. 27

After leading early, the Boston Celtics had to launch a late comeback against the Knicks. It was fueled by a monster night from Kristaps Porzingis. Jayson Tatum is going to be the chalk in most games as the favorite to score the first bucket, but even after dropping 30 in his C’s debut, Porzingis is still at a healthy +500 on FanDuel tonight.

Expect the Celtics to go right back to Porzingis to establish two things early: his presence on offense at a position not normally required to score and the foul pressure he can apply to Miami’s frontcourt. Porzingis can score from multiple places on the floor and should see the first strong look to score. Even if he gets fouled, this bet cashes with the first free throws of the game.

Trae Young is already apologizing for the Hawks’ effort following a brutal loss to start the season. There’s a reasonable expectation that if Atlanta gets the tip in their game tonight against the Knicks that Young would simply try to insert himself into the box score right away. While Young and the rest of the team were horrid from three, the better option here is his backcourt partner: Dejounte Murray. Struggling as much as anyone, Murray was horrible from the floor shooting just 3-for-14. He is the guy Atlanta benefits most from getting involved as early as possible.